Thursday, November 19, 2009

In my town, there is a sizable adoption community. There is a wonderful adoption group that meets regularly to offer support, exchange experiences and address concerns in regard to adoption issues as they arise in the neighborhood. The school district graciously offered a meeting space and sent a representative to be a liaison. Several school issues were addressed.

And one of the members arranged with the town library to acquire a wonderful film and offer to show it with a discussion period saved for the end. I want to promote the film. It's not easy to watch. It's not a pretty picture. But, it is important to see and GET this version of the adoption experience. I highly recommend it. It is not for the faint of heart. It is only for people who are ready to look at the tough issues for all involved,

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

I have been attending workshops lately. Mainly about adoption, but last night I went to one on blogging! I thought it would be stimulating to have some other people who might be interested in this topic, to blog here along with me. Anyone who might be interested, let me know!

I want to encourage anyone reading this, to attend the APC conference on Sunday. It is an annual event that occurs each November. Many publishers of adoption-related books are there, many agencies are represented to give you information, and the main events are wonderful workshops. To learn more here is the link again:

There are wonderful workshops on Parenting over the age of 40, on life cycle issues, medical issues, fetal alcohol effects. There is assistance with understanding the home study, and there are adoptee experiences presented to tell another point of view. Wonderful, knowledeable presenters are there in an intimate open setting.

Saturday, November 7, 2009

"Adoption is not an event Adoption is not a snapshot in time. It is a moving picture that goes on through this life and into the one that follows. "Pavao, Joyce The Family of Adoption

I came across this quote in a workshop I attended this week and it kept floating around in my mind. This is such an important concept. It's simple, yet so many of us focus on the act of adoption and then stop thinking about the rest of the process. Just like giving birth it is part of an experience of life. However, it is easy to forget that life began prior to the moment that adoptive parents entered the scene and the impact of it will continue on into the future

In biological families, it is a given that children learn where they came from and come to understand who they are in the context of their family. Adoptive children need help to come to know who they are, where they came from and support to form their own, unique identity. They have perhaps, several families, and many people, known and fantasied who comprise them. All of these people combine to have an impact on one's sense of self. It's really important to acknowledge their existence.

I guess the message is: talk, talk, talk...listen, listen listen...all in due time.